Buffalo woman brings education to girls across the globe

Having the opportunity to go to school is a privilege that many of us forget we have. Buffalo native Anne Wadsworth felt compelled to bring education for girls that are less fortunate. 

Wadsworth is the founder of the Buffalo based Girls Education Collaborative (GEC) that helps girls in Tanzania have access to education. In the last seven years the non-profit organization has raised over a million dollars and has built a school, library, science center and infrastructure for high school girls in Kitenga, Tanzania. 

"I think it's pretty cool that a town like Buffalo that even has its own issues and challenges can come together as a community," Wadsworth added. "And reach out to help another community half way around the world and say we can help uplift the world." 

120 million girls do not have access to education. The school the GEC funded, gives a pen and pencil to 70 girls. The next project is to build a new dormitory to bring an additional 120 girls to the school. 

"When a girl is educated... it just helps equip them so they can navigate their futures," Wadsworth said. "They can control and have a choice in their lives." 

People can help volunteer and donate money by visiting the Girls Education Collaborative website. On October 11th, also the International Day of the Girl, GEC is hosting Rise Strong a fundraiser to help raise funds to start building the new dormitory. 

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